AD Ports Group And Kazakhstan Railways Initiate GulfLink Joint Venture To Enhance Central Asian Logistics

AD Ports Group has launched operations for GulfLink Ltd., a logistics joint venture with KTZ Express, the freight division of Kazakhstan Railways. GulfLink is owned 51% by AD Ports Group and 49% by KTZ Express JSC. This venture aims to enhance the logistics landscape in Central Asia, where AD Ports Group is establishing a presence in Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Georgia.

GulfLink will focus on developing international transport corridors and strengthening Kazakhstan's role in global logistics. It will create more resilient supply chains through enhanced connectivity across Central Asia and globally via Pakistan, Türkiye, the Arabian Gulf, and the Indian subcontinent.

Kazakhstan's strategic location makes it a key player in regional logistics. With 16,000 km of rail lines, KTZ is one of Central Asia's largest rail networks. Approximately 70% of freight in Kazakhstan moves by rail, providing crucial access along major corridors connecting Europe, China, Türkiye, and the Caucasus region.

GulfLink aims to leverage Kazakhstan’s central position to provide comprehensive connectivity by rail, road, air, and sea. This multimodal approach will connect destinations across Europe and Asia efficiently.

AD Ports Group has committed US$775 million to develop the Middle Corridor as a viable East-West trade route. The Group has expanded ship operations with Kazakh partner KazMorTransFlot in the Black and Caspian seas over the past three years. Plans include launching a logistics hub in Uzbekistan.

The Group is also investing with local partners to build a grain terminal at Kuryk Port in Kazakhstan. Preliminary plans are underway for developing a multipurpose terminal there as well.

Enhancing Global Connectivity

Kamal Huseynov, CEO of GulfLink, stated that GulfLink will provide critical connectivity between Kazakhstan and the world. "We will bring value added to customers through our relationships," he said. The venture aims to optimise trade through efficient supply chains leveraging shareholder resources.

Damir Kozhakhmetov from KTZ Express expressed enthusiasm about shaping global logistics with GulfLink. He highlighted the partnership's potential to enhance transport infrastructure and expand trade flows using AD Ports Group's global resources.

GulfLink supports AD Ports Group’s strategy to revive the Middle Corridor as a major commercial supply artery between China and Europe. This initiative aims to boost regional growth by improving connectivity with global markets.

Abdulaziz Zayed AlShamsi from AD Ports Group emphasised Kazakhstan's role in their strategy to upgrade Central Asia's Middle Corridor into a significant trade route linking Asia and Europe. "Under the wise guidance of our leadership in the UAE," he noted, "AD Ports Group welcomes the chance to deepen its extensive engagement in Kazakhstan."

This collaboration between AD Ports Group and KTZ Express marks an important step towards enhancing Central Asia’s logistics capabilities while fostering economic growth through improved global connectivity.

With inputs from WAM